Israel Alter (1901-1979) was one of the great virtuoso
cantors of his generation. Born in Lemberg,
Galicia, he served in synagogues in Vienna and
Hanover, Germany. After the Nazis came to
power, he immigrated to Johannesburg, South
Africa, where he held a major cantorial post at
the United Hebrew Congregation. He retired in
1960 and immigrated to the U.S.
In America, his past concert appearances
and recordings elicited praise for his brilliant
dramatic tenor voice. Alter taught at the newly
established School of Sacred Music at Hebrew
Union College in New York, where he mentored
a number of emerging cantors.
R’tze Vimnuhateinu exemplifies Alter’s virtuoso
style, highly demanding, sung in wide range,
flourished, and difficult to perform. This singing
style is based on the traditional Hazzanut –
embellished freestyle recitative performed
in unmetered rhythm, which is often referred
to as “Shirat Ha-Regesh” or “the emotional
style.” This piece demonstrates virtuosity and
emotionality, with its “orderly” choral sections,
similar to those seen in Lewandowski’s works.
(See: Tsadik Katamar).
lyrics
Our God and God of our ancestors, embrace
our rest.
Make us holy through Your mitzvot and let the
Torah be our portion.
Fill our lives with Your goodness and gladden us
with Your deliverance.
Purify our hearts to serve You truly,
Adonai our God, lovingly and willingly grant that
we inherit Your holy Shabbat,
that Your people Israel, who make Your name
holy, may find rest on this day.
Blessed are You, Adonai, who makes Shabbat holy.
Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue SynagogueNew York, New York
Cantor Azi Schwartz is the Senior Cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, and is a world-renowned vocal performer and
recording artist whose music reaches Jewish and interfaith audiences internationally.
Azi has performed at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden; on PBS and on Richard Gere’s movie 'Norman'; and for Pope Francis.
He has released nine albums of Jewish liturgical music....more
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